Los Angeles daily herald., 1887-12-11
DAILY HERALD.
JACK AGAINST MAN.


JACK AGAINST MAN.
An sucident in the Early Days
OF Dutch Fiat.
In the early days OF Dutch Flat q
Ian.e-boned and gigantic Indianian
was known to his rough but kindly
associates as "Kicking Tom" He
had won the nickname by reason o
the terrific force with which he could
launch his great sinewy foot against
an opposing object. He was, besides,
as 1.-THE and springy as a panther. In
those days men were not very partic-
ular about the character OF their
ainusements, although nothing mean
or underhanded ever took place
among them. Their rough courtesy
was genuine and hearty, and they
were "a brave as Norman Barons or
paladins of France. They at times
,iad little regard for human life, but
in their deadly affrays they took the
lion aud not the hyena for their
model. They admired courage and
strength, because they were qualities
which came every day into requlsi-
ton, and without them there was
aeither peace nor safety in the then
lawless realm of the gold-seekers:.
Among these pioneers of the wilder
ness Kicking Tom had grown into
universal popularity. He was gener-
aus, brave and kindly, and what per-
haps endeared him to his associates
more than anything else, he was
always foremost in the rough sports OF
the camp. He was ever ready for fun
and frolic, and it was amatter of
supreme indifference to him whether
this took the form of pleasant epis de.
or rough fighting. He exemplitied
the old adage that "it is just as good
to fight as to eat." One day miner
brought into camp Mexican burro
which soon obtained wide celebrity
ss vicious animal, who, when ex-
cited, would attack man or beast with
desperate fury. Several mountain
ponies had been kicked to death by
him and more than one man had
nearly lost his life by the savage heels
OF the brute. So exciting had become
the record of the jacks achievements
that they became the subject OF uni
yersal conversation and inquiry
among the miners. Sitting in their
cabins. they spun wonderful tales Of
what he had done and was capable OF
doing.
"He is the liveliest kicker in the
world" said one.
"You are right, old man. That
beast can kick the hair off a mans
head without touching the skin,' re-
piled one of his companions.
This was touching Tom in tender
place, and after q moments rehec-
ton, he spoke up with the remark:
"He can't outkick me-" The obser-
walton was received by the group in
amazed silence.
"Lord, Tom! Why. he'd make
minoe-meat of YOU in u minute"
"Would he?" replied the athletic
Indianian. "Then he can have the
chance. I'm ready to kick for 500,
and may the best man win."
Cor the best jack" laughingly in
terposed a companion.
81 mean what I say, old man, so
don't be too spry with your tongue. y
And Toms brows lowered in gather
ing anger. His friend ap9logi ed for
the Jest, and the crowd dispersed for
the night.
The next day the rumor went wild
through the camp that Tom was will
ing to kick the burro for wager. In
thA dusk OF the evening the miners
gathered ia from their work and dis
c,is5ed the subject in all its bearings
Opinion as to the match was abou
evenly divided. II anything, Tom was
the favorite. Under these circuIu
stances q mill for 800 side was east
ly arranged between the beast and the
man, and it was decided that the con
fict should come off on the next Sun'
day afternoon.
Promptly at the appointed houi
every inhabitant OF Dutch Flat was
assembled in little level spot outside
the limits OF the camp. The prelimi
naries were quickly arranged and the
eight began. The beast seem-d tt
take in the situation at glance, anc
laying back his ears he watched his
wary opponent with angry eyes. Sud
denly Tom leape forward and landed
a terrific kick squarely on the junction
of the neck and head. The brute
repled before the force of the blow
but recovering on the instant ht
wheeled and launche. both heels at hi
antagonist. The man leaped aside an
as quick as lightning responded witt
another fearful kick on the burros neck
And so the conflict ragged. Sometimes
the lack would get in a savage blow
ON his opponent, but Dfteaer the mar
had the best of it; and at last putting
forth all Of his wonderful strength he
lande kick with the fury and ire
sistable force OF pile driver on tbs
jick's neck, which had been his OBJ
jective point from the beginning. The
be ,st reeled back and with u convul-
sive culver fell over dead. Tom was
terribly bruised, but no bones wefe
broken, and in a few days he was as
spfy as ever.
Tho miners next day gave the jtci
a regular funeral Amid all the potnl
and Circumstance Of the camp he was
laid to rest underneath the sod OF tue
vail ", and local poet thus Canon
lied his memory:
s4Lay his waxen hoofs together,
Fold b ick his long a. spreading ears,
For h has gone to blend his g"ehaw
With the music of the spheres"
rs. F. Alta.
Snrl LfTV ArpP ESSES